Vertical: Oil & Gas
Application: Mission-critical communications, predictive maintenance, autonomous operations, AI-driven optimization, digital twins, augmented reality
Ecosystem: Tampnet, Mavenir
Private Network: 5G
Aker BP has achieved a significant milestone in offshore operations by deploying the world’s first fully autonomous private 5G and edge compute system on an oil production platform. The Norwegian oil exploration company selected its Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea as the testing ground for this advanced communications infrastructure.
The deployment, executed by Norway-based Tampnet, provides complete indoor and outdoor wireless coverage across the entire platform while maintaining full data autonomy offshore. This addresses critical concerns around compliance, security, and operational performance in harsh maritime environments.
Thomas Øvretveit, senior vice president for operations at Aker BP, emphasized the significance: “Full wireless coverage opens up new possibilities for digital, intelligent and autonomous operations, and marks an important step in Aker BP’s digital transformation programme.”
The success has prompted Aker BP to expand the technology across its portfolio. The company has ordered similar private 5G and edge compute modules for six additional platforms: Alvheim and Skarv floating production systems, Ivar Aasen and Valhall platforms, and the developing Fenris and Yggdrasil projects.
This rollout addresses longstanding challenges in offshore communications, where steel-rich environments, unpredictable weather conditions, and latency-sensitive operations have historically complicated reliable connectivity. The edge computing component processes operational data directly on the platform, eliminating the need to route all information to shore.
The system supports an impressive range of applications previously difficult to implement reliably offshore. Real-time sensor data collection enables predictive maintenance programs, while remote access to artificial intelligence tools allows for advanced troubleshooting and optimization. The network also facilitates autonomous drones and robotics, digital twin technology, and augmented reality applications.
Per Atle Sørensen, managing director for North Sea operations at Tampnet, described the broader implications: “Tampnet’s 5G edge infrastructure is more than a connectivity project. It’s an enabler for oil and gas companies to scale advanced use cases such as remote operations, AI-based optimisation and dynamic reservoir monitoring.”
The technical foundation leverages Tampnet’s extensive offshore infrastructure experience. The company operates private cellular networks across approximately 350 rigs and vessels in multiple regions, including the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and waters off Trinidad & Tobago and Canada.
A crucial component involves mission-critical push-to-talk communications developed in partnership with Italian defense firm Leonardo. Testing conducted in May demonstrated the system’s ability to enhance safety protocols, reduce operational uncertainty, and improve coordination during high-risk activities.
The deployment coincides with Tampnet’s strategic partnership with Mavenir, which has become the preferred core network supplier for the company’s global private cellular installations. This relationship will see migration of Tampnet’s entire offshore network infrastructure to Mavenir’s converged packet core solution.
Beyond immediate operational benefits, this deployment establishes a foundation for broader digital transformation in offshore energy production. The combination of high-speed connectivity, edge computing power, and autonomous operation capabilities creates opportunities for remote operations and AI-driven insights that were previously impractical in offshore environments.
